Austria has begun enforcing a ban on headscarves for girls under 14 at schools as the new academic year starts.
The measure applies to public and private schools across the country. It prohibits head coverings that cover the head according to Islamic traditions.
The ban took effect at the start of the 2026/27 school year. It does not cover home education or school-related events held outside school grounds.
How the Ban Will Be Enforced
Teachers must first ask a student wearing a prohibited head covering to remove it.
If the student continues to wear it, the school management must hold a discussion with the student and her parents or legal guardians.
Further violations can lead to the involvement of the education authorities. Repeated violations can also trigger a child and youth welfare notification.
As a final measure, authorities can impose a fine ranging from €150 to €800.
Government Defends the New Law
Austria’s government says the measure aims to protect girls’ freedom, independence and equal development.
Integration Minister Claudia Bauer has strongly defended the policy. She has described the headscarf as a possible sign of oppression and a means of controlling girls from an early age.
The governing coalition consists of the Austrian People’s Party, the Social Democratic Party and the liberal NEOS. The three parties backed the legislation.
The far-right Freedom Party also supported the law in parliament. However, it wanted the ban to go further and include female teachers.
Muslim Groups Challenge the Ban
The policy has faced strong criticism from Muslim representatives and other opponents.
The Islamic Religious Community in Austria, which represents the country’s Muslim community, has called the measure discriminatory and said it plans to challenge the law before the Constitutional Court.
Austria’s Constitutional Court rejected two earlier challenges in July. However, it did so on procedural grounds because the law had not yet taken effect at that time. The court did not rule on whether the ban itself was constitutional.
The Greens were the only parliamentary party to oppose the legislation. They argued that it discriminates against Muslim children and may conflict with constitutional protections and children’s rights.
Debate Over Religious Freedom
The new law has reopened a wider debate in Austria over religious freedom, gender equality and the rights of Muslim children.
Supporters say the policy protects young girls from pressure and promotes personal freedom.
Critics argue that the state should not decide whether a child can wear a religious head covering. They also warn that the measure could deepen anti-Muslim sentiment.
For now, however, the law is in force as Austrian schools begin the 2026/27 academic year.
